How Does Riding Affect a Horses Back?
- Suzy Maloney B.Eq.Sc.
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Riding horses has long been a cherished partnership between humans and animals. However, while many equestrians focus on technique, performance, and the rider's experience, it's equally important to consider the horse's physical well-being, especially the impact riding can have on a horse’s back. The spine is a critical part of the horse’s musculoskeletal system, and how we ride can influence both its short-term comfort and long-term health. We all need to ask the question, 'How does riding affect a horses back?'.
The Biomechanics of Riding
A horse’s back is a complex structure made up of vertebrae, muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues. Unlike humans, horses do not naturally carry weight on their backs. Their anatomy evolved for running, grazing, and bearing their own weight, carrying a rider is a learned and physically demanding task. This is the fundamental truth from where we start.
The thoracic and lumbar vertebrae, which lie beneath the saddle, are particularly susceptible to stress. The muscles that support these regions, especially the longissimus dorsi, are often under strain during riding, especially if the horse is not conditioned properly or if the rider’s balance and technique are lacking.
When a rider mounts, the horse's back experiences additional vertical and horizontal forces. Studies have shown that these forces vary depending on riding style and saddle fit. For instance, research indicates that during sitting trot, the vertical forces on the horse's back are significantly higher compared to rising trot, emphasizing the importance of riding technique in managing back stress.
How Riding Affects the Back
Riding, particularly if done incorrectly or with ill-fitting tack, can lead to a range of back problems in horses. These issues can include:
Muscle soreness and strain: Caused by excessive or uneven pressure on the back muscles.
Back stiffness: Often a sign of poor saddle fit, improper training, or lack of muscle development.
Atrophy: Muscle wasting from poor conditioning or prolonged use of saddles that restrict movement.
Kissing spines (overriding dorsal spinous processes): A more severe condition where the bony projections of the vertebrae touch or overlap, causing pain and inflammation.
Recognizing Back Pain in Horses
Muscle atrophy, asymmetry along the back, or a hollowed back.
Resistance during saddling and mounting.
Changes in gait, or reluctance to perform certain movements.
Resistance to collection.
Behavioural changes such as irritability or tail swishing.
Bucking or pigrooting under saddle.
Steps to Protect and Support the Horse’s Back
Fortunately, there are many steps riders and caretakers can take to protect a horse’s back and alleviate discomfort.
1. Proper Saddle Fit
One of the most crucial factors in protecting a horse’s back is ensuring the saddle fits correctly. An ill-fitting saddle can create pressure points, restrict shoulder movement, and cause pain or injury. A professional saddle fitter should evaluate the saddle at least once a year, as horses’ shapes change over time due to age, work level, and weight fluctuations.
2. Balanced Riding
A rider’s position and balance have a direct impact on how weight is distributed across the horse’s back. Riders should strive for an independent seat, with even contact through both stirrups and proper alignment. Unbalanced riders, or those who rely heavily on reins or stirrups, can inadvertently shift weight in harmful ways. An unbalanced rider may lean, grab, or hang on the horse, causing discomfort and affecting the horse's movement and behaviour. They may also cause the saddle to shift on the horse's back, potentially leading to injury.
3. Rider Weight
The weight of the rider in relation to that of the horse is an important consideration. The ideal weight ratio for a rider to their horse is generally considered to be between 10% and 15% of the horse's body weight, including the weight of the saddle and other tack. This ensures the horse's well-being, optimal performance, and the safety of both the horse and rider. What this means is that for a 500kg horse, the weight of the rider plus the saddle shouldn't exceed 75kg.
4. Rider Fitness
Horse riding is a sport. Some may think we just sit on the horses back and they take us for a ride. This is far from how it is meant to be. I call these types of people passengers, not riders. Passengers can place a lot of strain and tension on a horses’ back as they are not moving with all the subtle changes that occur during riding. An unfit rider may struggle to maintain balance and a fluid seat, resulting in the horse having to compensate for the rider's movements. This can result in discomfort for the horse and potential back injury.
5. Core Strength and Conditioning
Just like human athletes, horses need strong core muscles to carry weight effectively and safely. Incorporating exercises that build core strength, such as hill work, transitions, pole work, and long and low stretching helps support the back and reduce the risk of injury. Cross-training and groundwork also play important roles.
6. Monitor and Adjust Training Regimens
Overtraining or repetitive movements can exacerbate back issues. Implementing varied training routines and allowing adequate rest periods ensures that the horse's back muscles recover and adapt appropriately.
7. Rest and Recovery
Horses need time to recover from hard work, just like humans. Over-riding or neglecting rest days can lead to fatigue and increase the risk of strain or injury. Paying attention to signs of soreness and adjusting training schedules accordingly is key to long-term back health.
8. Regular Bodywork and Veterinary Care
Massage therapy, chiropractic adjustments, and physiotherapy can help keep the horse’s back supple and pain-free. Additionally, regular veterinary checkups can help catch and address potential back issues early, before they become severe. Imaging techniques, such as X-rays or ultrasounds, can identify underlying conditions like kissing spines or muscle tears, facilitating targeted treatment plans.
Riding can be physically demanding on horses, particularly their backs. However, with awareness, proper equipment, and thoughtful care, the negative impacts can be minimized. By prioritizing saddle fit, riding technique, strength conditioning, and recovery, we can foster a partnership that is not only enjoyable but also sustainable and humane.
Understanding and respecting the physical demands we place on our horses is fundamental to good horsemanship. After all, a healthy back is not only vital for performance, it is essential for a horse’s comfort and quality of life. Prioritizing back health not only enhances performance but also fosters a deeper, more respectful partnership between horse and rider.
Suzy Maloney B.Eq.Sc.Dip.Couns.
Happy Horses Bitless
Considerate Horsemanship
Email: suzy@happyhorsesbitless.com
Lismore, NSW, Australia
Ph: 0401 249 263
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